Artificial intelligence is becoming a useful tool across a wide array of sectors. Therefore, it is little surprise that AI has taken on a life of its own within horse racing due to the sheer amount of data that is available within the sport.
AI and machine learning have become essential tools for every person involved within the sport, whether it is owners, trainers, or even the casual bettor.
AI is being used more regularly by the latter to fine-tune selections, before putting money down on runners at sportsbooks, such as TwinSpires. But, how have AI and machine learning become essential tools within the racing sphere?
Race Handicapping
It would be hard to argue against the fact that the most prominent use for AI and machine learning in horse racing comes with helping fans and bettors handicap races.
Analysing Data
Race predicting have become more streamlined due to the services offered by AI and machine learning. Historically, bettors and fans of the sport would have needed to go through all the data of the runners themselves, and the process of studying form, and past data can be a time consuming activity.
However, AI is able to sift through vast selections of data in minutes, analysing factors such as historical renewals of races, finishing positions of the runners involved, and correlations that could impact the end result, such as speed and track bias.
Assessing Variable Factors
As well as studying past form of horses involved, and analysing historical trends, AI is also able to take into account the conditions that races will be run under. This means that it is able to identify whether the ground will be fast or slow, and which runners this will ultimately suit.
The tech is also able to study potential weather forecasts, which could indicate a change in ground conditions, meaning that predictions made are as informative as possible. As well as assessing the conditions, AI will also take into account the trainer/jockey combination.
This includes looking at the strike-rates of yards, and evaluating a runner’s chances based on their previous success at the track. This can be incredibly important when wagering on a race such as the Kentucky Derby, where respected trainers at Churchill Downs have a strong win-rate.
Training Racehorses
As well as predicting races, AI and machine learning have become essential tools in the training of racehorses.
Wearable Tech
Horse racing has come a long way over the last 20 years, and technology is now readily used by almost every yard across the globe to get a better understanding of the animals within their care.
Wearable tech has been a crucial adaption within the industry, as it gives trainers and owners a betting understanding of a horse. This tech is able to track heart rates, respiratory, stride patterns and movement biomechanics in real-time. Having this information quickly available is vitally important for trainer, as it will give them a live picture of how their runners are performing.
Importantly, it is also able to give a quick diagnosis for underperforming horses, especially if something is amiss. Machine learning algorithms can quickly help find patterns in terms of a horse’s behaviour or gait, which could highlight a potential impending injury. Overall, it has a positive impact on welfare, and is incredibly important within the sport in this modern day.
Breeding
As history would suggest, there is no exact science behind breeding a potential champion. Even impeccably bred horses aren’t guaranteed to reach the heights of their sires and dams.
An example of this was the record sale of The Green Money. The colt was a descendent of greats such as Secretariat and Northern Dancer, but he failed to live up to his $16 million price tag after failing to win in three starts. AI is now being used to make smarter picks when it comes to breeding, ensuring that some of the probability is removed.
However, one of the most important factors surrounding breeding and the use of AI comes in the form of making it safer. The tech is able to show any lingering health concerns found in certain horses, which could ultimately impact a potential colt’s quality of life.
Breeding always has success at the heart, but this current climate ensures that only healthy horses are brought into the world.
Enhancing The Product
AI is also vitally important when it comes to enhancing the sport as a whole. The tech is used to maintain track management, ensuring that it is safe for horses, while also making sure that conditions are consistent.
Furthermore, the tech also ensures that Augmented Reality has become a prominent way to watch the sport. Real-time stats are also regularly available during live broadcasts to give the viewer the best and most informative experience possible due to AI.
